U.S. patent application number 13/668043 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for tree stand.
The applicant listed for this patent is John Blair. Invention is credited to John Blair.
Application Number | 20130299278 13/668043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49547783 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130299278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blair; John |
November 14, 2013 |
TREE STAND
Abstract
A tree stand is disclosed having few, if any, moving parts. The
one-piece design, according to an exemplary embodiment, may make
the tree stand simpler to use with less noise during use. The tree
stand may include both a seat member and a standing member. A user
may climb a tree by standing on the standing member, raising the
seat member, sitting on the seat member, raising the standing
member, and repeating this process to climb a tree, pole or the
like.
Inventors: |
Blair; John; (Covington,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blair; John |
Covington |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49547783 |
Appl. No.: |
13/668043 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61554821 |
Nov 2, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
182/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/187 |
International
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20060101
A01M031/02 |
Claims
1. A tree stand comprising a seating member having: first and
second side members, the side members extending substantially
parallel with each other with a bend in each of the first and
second side members; a removable tree attachment member, the
removable tree attachment member running substantially orthogonal
to the first and second side members, spanning from the first side
member to the second side member proximate to a first end of the
first and second side members; a fixed tree attachment member, the
fixed tree attachment member running substantially orthogonal to
the first and second side members, spanning from the first side
member to the second side member at a location proximate to the
bend in each of the first and second side members; first and second
angled tree attachment members, the first and second angled tree
attachment members interconnecting the fixed tree attachment member
with each of the first and second side members, the first and
second angled tree attachment members forming an angle with the
fixed tree attachment member from about 30 degrees to about 60
degrees; and a fixed seat defining member, the fixed seat defining
member running substantially orthogonal to the first and second
side members, spanning from the first side member to the second
side member proximate to a second, opposite end of the first and
second side members.
2. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the bend is from about 20 to
about 40 degrees.
3. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the first and second side
members are formed of a continuous, one-piece structural
element.
4. The tree stand of claim 1, further comprising a standing member,
the standing member having: first and second standing member side
members, the standing member side members extending substantially
parallel with each other with a bend in each of the first and
second standing member side members; a standing member removable
tree attachment member, the standing member removable tree
attachment member running substantially orthogonal to the first and
second standing member side members, spanning from the first
standing member side member to the second standing member side
member proximate to a first end of the first and second standing
member side members; a standing member fixed tree attachment
member, the standing member fixed tree attachment member running
substantially orthogonal to the first and second standing member
side members, spanning from the first standing member side member
to the second standing member side member at a location proximate
to the bend in each of the first and second standing member side
members; first and second standing member angled tree attachment
members, the first and second standing member angled tree
attachment members interconnecting the standing member fixed tree
attachment member with each of the first and second standing member
side members, the first and second standing member angled tree
attachment members forming an angle with the standing member fixed
tree attachment member from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees;
and a plurality of standing member cross members disposed generally
orthogonally and spanning between the first and second standing
member side members, the standing member cross members disposed
proximate to a second, opposite end of the first and second
standing member side members.
5. A tree stand comprising: a seating member having: first and
second side members, the first and second side members extending
substantially parallel with each other with a bend in each of the
first and second side members, the first and second side members
are formed of a continuous, one-piece structural element a
removable tree attachment member, the removable tree attachment
member running substantially orthogonal to the first and second
side members, spanning from the first side member to the second
side member proximate to a first end of the first and second side
members; a fixed tree attachment member, the fixed tree attachment
member running substantially orthogonal to the first and second
side members, spanning from the first side member to the second
side member at a location proximate to the bend in each of the
first and second side members; first and second angled tree
attachment members, the first and second angled tree attachment
members interconnecting the fixed tree attachment member with each
of the first and second side members, the first and second angled
tree attachment members forming an angle with the fixed tree
attachment member from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; and a
fixed seat defining member, the fixed seat defining member running
substantially orthogonal to the first and second side members,
spanning from the first side member to the second side member
proximate to a second, opposite end of the first and second side
members; and a standing member having: first and second standing
member side members, the standing member side members extending
substantially parallel with each other with a bend in each of the
first and second standing member side members; a standing member
removable tree attachment member, the standing member removable
tree attachment member running substantially orthogonal to the
first and second standing member side members, spanning from the
first standing member side member to the second standing member
side member proximate to a first end of the first and second
standing member side members; a standing member fixed tree
attachment member, the standing member fixed tree attachment member
running substantially orthogonal to the first and second standing
member side members, spanning from the first standing member side
member to the second standing member side member at a location
proximate to the bend in each of the first and second standing
member side members; first and second standing member angled tree
attachment members, the first and second standing member angled
tree attachment members interconnecting the standing member fixed
tree attachment member with each of the first and second standing
member side members, the first and second standing member angled
tree attachment members forming an angle with the standing member
fixed tree attachment member from about 30 degrees to about 60
degrees; and a plurality of standing member cross members disposed
generally orthogonally and spanning between the first and second
standing member side members, the standing member cross members
disposed proximate to a second, opposite end of the first and
second standing member side members.
6. The tree stand of claim 5, wherein the bend is from about 20 to
about 40 degrees.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional patent application No. 61/554,821, filed Nov. 2, 2011,
the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to hunting equipment and, more
particularly, to a platform for climbing trees to give a better
vantage point.
[0003] Tree stands are often used by hunters to provide an elevated
vantage point for hunting. Many conventional tree stands require
tree steps or ladders to climb a tree. This requires the hunter to
carry additional equipment for climbing the tree.
[0004] In addition, many convention tree stands are made from
several parts joined together. In these tree stands, if a hunter
shifts their weight while sitting in the tree stand, the tree stand
may squeak, pop or crack. These sounds could scare away game,
especially since, when taking aim at game, the hunter often moves
about in the tree stand.
[0005] As can be seen, there is a need for a tree stand that has
minimal, if any, moving parts, that can also be used to climb a
tree.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a tree stand
comprising a seating member having first and second side members,
the side members extending substantially parallel with each other
with a bend in each of the first and second side members; a
removable tree attachment member, the removable tree attachment
member running substantially orthogonal to the first and second
side members, spanning from the first side member to the second
side member proximate to a first end of the first and second side
members; a fixed tree attachment member, the fixed tree attachment
member running substantially orthogonal to the first and second
side members, spanning from the first side member to the second
side member at a location proximate to the bend in each of the
first and second side members; first and second angled tree
attachment members, the first and second angled tree attachment
members interconnecting the fixed tree attachment member with each
of the first and second side members, the first and second angled
tree attachment members forming an angle with the fixed tree
attachment member from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees; and a
fixed seat defining member, the fixed seat defining member running
substantially orthogonal to the first and second side members,
spanning from the first side member to the second side member
proximate to a second, opposite end of the first and second side
members.
[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a tree stand according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the tree stand of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a tree attachment
mechanism of the tree stand of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of a seat defining
member of the tree stand of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of the tree stand of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of the tree stand of FIG.
5;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a detailed schematic view of a removable tree
attachment member of the tree stand of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a close-up schematic view taken along circle 9 of
FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a top schematic view of the tree stand of FIG.
5;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a front schematic view of the tree stand of FIG.
5;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a detailed schematic view of a tree attachment
section of the tree stand of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view a standing member of
the tree stand of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side schematic view of the tree stand of FIG.
13;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a detailed schematic view of a removable tree
attachment member of the standing member of FIG. 13;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of
FIG. 14;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a close-up schematic view taken along circle 17
of FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a top schematic view of the standing member of
FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a front schematic view of the standing member of
FIG. 13; and
[0027] FIG. 20 is a detailed schematic view of a tree attachment
section of the standing member of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0029] Various inventive features are described below that can each
be used independently of one another or in combination with other
features.
[0030] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a
tree stand having few, if any, moving parts. The one-piece design,
according to an exemplary embodiment, may make the tree stand
simpler to use with less noise during use. The tree stand may
include both a seat member and a standing member. A user may climb
a tree by standing on the standing member, raising the seat member,
sitting on the seat member, raising the standing member, and
repeating this process to climb a tree, pole or the like.
[0031] Referring now to the Figures, a tree stand 10 may include a
seating member 12 and a standing member 14. The seating member 12
and the standing member 14 may have substantially the same size and
may attach to a tree 16 (or pole, or the like) with substantially
the same mechanism, as described below.
[0032] The seating member 12 may include a first side member 18 and
a second side member 20 running from a first end 22 to a second end
24 of the seating member 12. The side members 18, 20 may be formed
from a single piece of material having a bend 26 formed
therewithin. The bend 26 may be between about 20 to about 40
degrees, typically about 30 degrees. A reinforcement piece, as
shown in FIG. 9, can be disposed about 3 inches into each end of
the bend 26. The reinforcement piece can be, for example, formed of
5/8 inch thick steel. The side members 18, 20 may be disposed
generally parallel with each other. Holes may be disposed along an
upward facing surface of the side members 18, 20. Inserts may fit
into these holes to accept various accessories. Typically, from 2
to 11 holes may be disposed along each of the side members 18,
20.
[0033] A removable tree attachment member 28 may be removably
disposed between the side members 18, 20 at the first end 22
thereof. In some embodiments, the first end 22 of the side members
18, 20 may have a plurality of spaced apart through holes 30
through which a bolt (not shown) may pass to affix the removable
tree attachment member 28 to the side members 18, 20. A turning
handle 32 may be disposed on one end of the bolt to assist in
tightening and loosening the bolt to permit the removable tree
attachment member 28 to be removed.
[0034] A fixed tree attachment member 34 may be disposed between
the side members 18, 20 proximate to the bend 26. The fixed tree
attachment member 34 may be disposed generally orthogonally to the
side members 18, 20. The fixed tree attachment member 34 may be
permanently affixed to the side members 18, 20 by, for example,
welding. First and second angled tree attachment members 36, 38 may
interconnect the fixed tree attachment member 34 with the side
members 18, 20. The first and second angled tree attachment members
36, 38 may form an angle with the fixed tree attachment member 34
between about 30 and about 60 degrees.
[0035] A fixed seat defining member 40 may be disposed between the
side members 18, 20 at the second end 24 thereof. The fixed seat
defining member 40 may be disposed generally orthogonally to the
side members 18, 20. The fixed seat defining member 40, the side
members 18, 20 and the fixed tree attachment member 34 may form a
generally rectangular periphery into which a seat 42 may be
disposed. The seat 42 may be, for example, hung by a plurality of
seat straps 44 that attach to the side members 18, 20.
[0036] The standing member 14 may have a first end 46 that is
substantially the same as that of the seating member 12. For
example, the standing member 14 may include a removable tree
attachment member 28, a fixed tree attachment member 34 and first
and second angled tree attachment members 36, 38. A reinforcement
piece, as shown in FIG. 17, can be disposed about 3 inches into
each end of a bend in the side members 18, 20 of the standing
member 14. The reinforcement piece can be, for example, formed of
5/8 inch thick steel. A plurality of standing member cross members
48 may be disposed between the side members 18, 20 of the standing
member 14. The standing member cross members 48 may permit a user
to stand on top of the cross members 48. In some embodiments, a gap
50 may be left between the side members. The gap 50, for example,
may be sized sufficient to permit a hunter to use their foot,
placed in the gap 50, to hook onto the standing member 14 and raise
the standing member, as described in greater detail below. A lip 52
may be formed at a second end 54 of the standing member 14. The lip
52 may extend above a plane formed by the plurality of cross
members 48, providing a safety factor for a user standing on the
standing member 14.
[0037] The tree stand 10 may be constructed such that there are no
moving parts, except for the removable tree attachment member 28.
Because all the parts are welded together, the tree stand 10 may
not make noise as a hunter shifts positions in the tree stand
10.
[0038] To use the tree stand, a hunter may first place both the
seating member 12 and the standing member 14 on the tree 16, near
the ground, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The removable tree
attachment member 28 may be adjustably attached to the side members
18, 20 such that the side members 18, 20 at the second end 24, 54
of the tree stand 10 is roughly horizontal. The user may sit in the
seat 42 and lift the standing member 14 toward the seating member
12.
[0039] The user may then stand on the standing member 14, and push
the seating member 12 up the tree. The user then sits back in the
seat 42 and, again, raises the standing member 14 toward the
seating member 12. This process is repeated until the desired
height is obtained. A strap (not shown) may be disposed on the
standing member 14 to help lift the standing member 14 up the tree
16.
[0040] Safety straps (not shown) may be included with the tree
stand 10. For example, a strap may interconnect a component, such
as the removable tree attachment members 34, of the standing member
14 and the seating member 12. This may help keep the standing
member 14 from separating from the seating member 12 beyond a
predetermined distance. A further safety strap, such as a bungee
cord, may attach to each of the first ends 22 of the first and
second side members 18, 20. This safety strap may elastically
extend around the tree 16 when a desired height is achieved. Other
straps, as may be known in the art, may be useful with the tree
stand of the present invention. One or more of the safety straps
may be used as a carrying strap or harness to assist a user in
carrying the tree stand into the woods, for example.
[0041] As shown in the schematic figures, various components of the
tree stand 10 may be made form square tubing, such as 11/2 to 2
inch square tubing. The tubing may be made of, for example,
aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, plastic, composite, or the like.
While the figures show various exemplary sized for the materials,
other sized may be used in the tree stand according to a user's
preference.
[0042] The dimensions shown in the drawings are only exemplary, and
other sizes and configurations may be within the scope of the
present invention. For example, in FIG. 6, the lengths of the side
members 18, 20 can be, for example 27.5 inches, instead of 27 and
28 inches, respectively. The through hole sizes can vary as well.
For example, in FIG. 7, the through holes through the tubing 28 can
vary from 0.375 (as shown in FIG. 7) to about 0.313, for example.
Brackets can vary as well, such as in FIG. 9, where the lengths
could be about 3.0 inches, instead 3.25 inches, as shown. Also, the
adjustment holes, such as those shown in FIG. 12, can be spaced
closer together, for example, 1.5 inches apart instead of 2 inches
apart, as shown, and more holes can be provided, for example 9
holes instead of 7. Other variations are contemplated within the
scope of the present invention.
[0043] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *